Health Science Cluster

WES WATKINS TECHNOLOGY CENTER

HEALTH SCIENCE CLUSTER

PHILOSOPHY

The Health Science Cluster class uses a student centeredbased learning system which requires each course to be completed within a set number of hours. The instructor will provide lectures, reviews, and individual assistance as needed.

Wes Watkins Technology Center and the Health Science Cluster class strive to provide the student with the learning environment and instruction to develop the skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary for successful integration into the world of work. The educational training at Wes Watkins Technology Center and TheHealth Science Clustermajors are constantly being re-evaluated to keep pace with the changing health care industry and society in general. In recent years, health occupations have undergone major changes. Health care delivery systems have changed with advances in technology that provide new methods of processing information; with these changes is a constant need for knowledgeable, competent health care workers.

The Health Science Cluster curriculum is designed to prepare students for the future. It covers a rigorous core of information that is important to the entire health occupation cluster. A skilled instructor will supplement, personalize and localize this material to meet the specific individual learning needs. The Health Science Clustermajors are structured for the development of the whole person(adult or secondary student) as a positive step toward the achievement of personal goals and ambitions.

THE HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENT

The health care environment is becoming increasingly complex. There are more diagnostic tests, medications, and diseases every day. However, the true reason for health care has not changed. It is to help the patient reach his/her optimum level of health. The natureof thehealth care environment dictates that the health care worker be intelligent, dependableand have a pleasant personality. Additionally the health care worker must be adaptable, tactful, enthusiastic, empathetic, genuinely like people, and show initiative. The health care worker must be skilled in organization, and prioritization. Future trends in health care will require the health care worker be cross-trained or multi-skilled. This will mean the health care worker will need to continue to learn throughout his/her career.

Patients will ask many questions regarding their illness and treatments. The health care worker must be able to respond with correct and understandable information. Because health care costs are so high, the health care worker must perform tasks in a minimal amount of time while also conserving supplies.

The health care worker will be assisting in many procedures that are extremely personal in nature. Considering the patient's feeling and emotions are a must for the health care worker. Procedures may become routine to medical personnel, but may be new, embarrassing, discomforting or painful to the patient. The health care worker must be able to ease the patient's fears and anxieties. Furthermore, in dealing with the patients and the details of their illnesses, the health care worker must always practice discretion and confidentiality.

The health care worker will deal with patients who are developmentally disabled or physically disabled. These patients may require special assistance or communications techniques. The health care worker must be able to effectively utilize these.

The patients who come into a health care facility gain their first (and most lasting) impressions from health care workers who care for them. It is therefore of utmost importance that the health care worker exhibit good health, immaculate appearance, a pleasant voice and smile.

In addition to giving special regard to patients, health care workers have the responsibility of self-protection. The student in Health Science Cluster will be taught appropriate safety measures to protect self and others. The student will adhere to all rules of standard precautions. As safety competencies are demonstrated, students will be rewarded by participating in clinicals in various health care settings where these practices will be implemented and evaluated. Many life-threatening diseases are transmitted through blood and body fluids. Currently, there is no vaccination to medically protect the health care worker from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). However, a vaccination is available for Hepatitis B virus (HBV), another more common and virulent virus. It is a series of three immunizations which takes approximately 6 months to complete. Some students may be eligible to receive the vaccine from the County Health Department. It is strongly recommended that: 2 months prior to the beginning of clinical rotation, the student begins the Hepatitis B vaccination series to prevent transmission of Hepatitis B. This vaccination is voluntary, but is strongly recommended.

Additionally, the student will berequiredto have a current physical, evidence of 2 PPD tests,2 MMRs,current tetanus,2 varicella, and a current flu immunization (at the discretion of the clinical site)on record. If the two-step PPD test for tuberculosis is done, you must wait seven days in between the first and second vaccination. You must wait 30 days in between the first and second varicella vaccinations. You cannot have a PPD skin test within two weeks of having a varicella vaccination. The physical form will be provided by the school (WWTC). The PPD is a skin test for tuberculosis. The PPD must be done on a yearly basis. If you have not had a yearly TB test for two consecutive years then a two step TB test is required. The MMR record is required for entry into elementary school. A copy of this record is necessary. These items will be obtained at the student's cost.

In compliance with hospital facility policies, all adult students will be drug tested. Cost will be assumed by student.

COURSE OBJECTIVES FOR HEALTH SCIENCE CLUSTER

Upon completion of Health Science Cluster, the student should be able to:

1.Practice safety rules at home, school and the workplace at all times.

2.Actively participate in HOSA.

3.Apply effective communication skills.

4.Apply effective interpersonal skills.

5.Complete requirements for basic first aid.

6.Certify in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

7.Demonstrate an understanding of anatomy and physiology.

8.Use medical terminology effectively.

9.Accurately solve basic math problems applied to health care settings.

10.Maintain a personal employment portfolio.

11.Demonstrate basic computer literacy using personal computers.

12.Accurately perform collection of patient data/information related to health care needs.

13.Demonstrate required basic nursing skills to the satisfaction of the instructor

14.Demonstrate a basic understanding of legal and ethical issues related to health.

15.Demonstrate entry-level skills in the student's chosen occupational area(s).

16.Demonstrate critical thinking skills.

17.Demonstrate leadership skills at all times.

18.Consistently communicate a positive attitude.

19.Demonstrate good work ethic.

20.Prepare for job search.

21.Inventory the skills and personal qualities they possess that will be most valuable to an employer.

22.Demonstrate successful transfer of skills learned in school to actual use in the workplace.

23.Demonstrate human relation skills necessary for career success.

COURSE DESCRIPTION FOR HEALTH SCIENCE CLUSTER

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Medical Terminology is designed to develop in the students a working knowledge of the language of medicine. Students acquire word building skills by learning prefixes, suffixes, roots and abbreviations. By relating terms to body systems, students identify proper uses of words in a medical environment. Knowledge of medical terminology enhances students’ ability to successfully secure employment or pursue advanced education in healthcare.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

Anatomy/Physiology is the study of the structural complexity of the human body and its intricate functional mechanisms. This course is taught as a laboratory science. Students will conduct scientific investigations and fieldwork using scientific knowledge and methodology that will enable them to make educated conclusions based on higher-level critical thinking and problem solving skills. The areas studied will be an integration of biology and chemistry and will include, but are not limited to: organization of the body, chemical basis for life, cells & tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, endocrine system, blood, circulatory system, lymphatic & immune systems, respiratory systems, digestive system & metabolism, urinary system, and reproductive system. An emphasis should be placed on real-world applications, and active-learning exercises should be included along with laboratory experiences.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION/FIRST AID

This course will provide the most current guidelines for CPR developed by the American Heart Association. The student will receive training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Automated External Defibrillator (AED)/Foreign Body Airway Obstruction (FBAO). The student will have an opportunity to become certified in Healthcare Provider CPR. This course will provide the knowledge for the student to perform basic first aid. Students will be provided an opportunity to gain skills towards first aide competency such as victim assessment, splinting, controlling bleeding, poisoning and burns.

CORE CONCEPTS OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

It is essential that Healthcare professionals are able to communicate with clients, their families and friends and other members of the healthcare team. This course provides information and techniques to assist the student to develop knowledge and skills in basic principles of communication and specific oral and written skills that will provide a foundation to effectively communicate in the many areas required in healthcare.

CORE MEDICAL MATHEMATICS

Students will attain competency in basic mathematical computations including those with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and units of measure. Students will also graph and diagram results of computations.

CORE SAFETY PRACTICES

This course provides essential knowledge to assist the student to understand the existing and potential hazards to patients, co-workers and self. In healthcare, it is imperative that injury and illness is prevented through safe work practices and maintenance of health and safety policies and procedures. This course provides a basis for the principles and practices of a safe work environment.

CORE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

This course provides content that the student will use to understand the many uses of information technology in all healthcare settings and specialties. The student will gain skill in using appropriate information technology applications a variety of settings.

CORE LEGAL AND ETHICAL PRINICPLES & PRACTICES

This course includes knowledge necessary for the student to understand the legal responsibilities, limitations, and implications of their actions within the healthcare delivery setting. The student will learn what is necessary to perform their duties according to regulations, policies, laws and legislated rights of clients. The student will be introduced to accepted ethical practices with respect to cultural, social, and ethnic differences within the healthcare environment.

CORE TEAMWORK IN HEALTHCARE

This course will provide principles in working effectively as a member of a team. The student will understand the roles and responsibilities of individual members of the healthcare team, including their ability to promote the delivery of quality healthcare. The student will learn skills in interacting effectively and sensitively with all members of the healthcare team.

CORE HEALTH PROMOTION

This course will include knowledge about the fundamentals of wellness and the prevention of disease processes. The student will learn about the importance of practicing healthy behaviors. Students will learn about complementary/alternative health practices.

CORE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS

This course will assist the student to identify how key healthcare systems affect the delivery of specific healthcare services. There will be opportunities to study the effect of a variety of issues on the delivery of quality care to patients. The student will begin to appreciate the value of each healthcare team member and the impact that individuals have in influencing the delivery of care in specific healthcare environments they perform and quality of care. In this course, students will be able to explain the cost of health care and services. Students will also be able to discuss the different health care facilities, agencies, and trends in health care.

CORE EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

This course will present materials that will assist the student understand how employability skills enhance their employment opportunities and job satisfaction. The student will be introduced to key employability skills and will learn the importance of maintaining and upgrading skills, as needed. This course also allows the student the opportunity to explore different careers available in the health care industry.

CORE TECHNICAL SKILLS IN HEALTHCARE

This course is designed to provide the student with knowledge and technical skills required for all career specialties. The student will be provided opportunities to demonstrate technical skills. It is essential that the health care worker learns and follows correct procedures to provide for the safety, comfort and privacy of the patient, co-worker and self. The student will learn the techniques of positioning, turning, moving, and transferring patients. Vital signs are another important indicator of the wellbeing of an individual. The student will learn techniques to obtain accurate information regarding patient’s vital signs, height and weight

CAREER MAJORS

High SchoolHealth Science Cluster students may choose from the following occupational areas:

Long Term Care AideRadiology AidePhlebotomist

Veterinary AssistantNursing Assistant

Home Health Care Nursing AideDental Assistant

Adult Health Science Cluster students may choose from the following occupational areas:

Multi – Skilled Nurse AssistantVeterinary Assistant

Phlebotomist

SAMPLE PLAN OF STUDY

CORE

/ TOTAL HOURS / CLASSROOM HOURS / LAB/ CLINICAL
Orientation
Handbooks/Signature Pages
Computer Literacy
Learning Skills
CPR / First Aid / 15 / 7 / 8
CORE
Safety
Body Mechanics / 3 / 2 / 1
Preventing Accidents and Injuries / 3.5 / 2 / 1.5
Fire Safety / 3.5 / 2 / 1.5
Infection Control & Microbiology / 20 / 15 / 5
30 / 21 / 9
Health Promotion / 15 / 12 / 3
Teamwork in Healthcare / 15 / 10 / 5
Healthcare Delivery Systems / 15 / 12 / 3
Concepts of Effective Communication / 30 / 20 / 10
Legal and Ethical Principles & Practices / 30 / 25 / 5
Information Technology Applications / 15 / 10 / 5
Technical Skills in Healthcare #1 / 7.5 / 3.5 / 4
Technical Skills in Healthcare #2 / 7.5 / 3.5 / 4
Employability Skills / 30 / 15 / 15
Medical Math / 30 / 25 / 5
Core Totals / 225 / 157 / 68
Medical Terminology / 45 / 45 / 0
Anatomy & Physiology / 120 / 100 / 20
Career Major Pathway
* (Safety & CPR done annually)

Secondary Students

CAREER CLUSTER

HEALTH SCIENCE

Career Pathway

Therapeutic Services

Career Major:
Nursing Assistant

Course

/ Hours
Health Careers Core Curriculum / 225
Core Medical Terminology / 45
Anatomy And Physiology / 120
Core Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid / 15
Long Term Care Assistant / 91
Total / 496

CAREER CLUSTER

HEALTH SCIENCE

Career Pathway

Therapeutic Services

Career Major

Home Health Care Nursing Aide

Course

Hours

Home Health Care Nursing Assistant

16

CAREER CLUSTER

HEALTH SCIENCE

Career Pathway

Therapeutic Services

Career Major

Long Term Care Aide

Course

Hours

Health Careers Core Curriculum

225

Core Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid / 15

Introduction to Long Term Care Aide

Role of the Nursing Aide in Long Term Care

Safety for Long Term Care Nursing Aide

Basic Human Needs for Residents/Clients

Communication for the Nursing Aide

Consumer Rights, Ethical & Legal Issues Affecting the Nursing Aide in Long Term Care

Infection Control for Long Term Care Aide

Resident/Client Mobility, Positioning and Transfer

Basic Nursing Skills

Care for the Patient with Dementia/Alzheimer's Diseases

Death and Dying

Normal and Abnormal Body Structure and Function

Supervised Clinical Experience in Long Term Care Aide

Total

331

CAREER CLUSTER

HEALTH SCIENCE

Career Pathway

Diagnostic Services

Career Major:
Radiology Aide

Course

/ Hours
Health Careers Core Curriculum / 225
Core Medical Terminology / 45
Anatomy And Physiology / 120
Core Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid / 15
Introduction to Radiologic Science / 15
Radiation Protection for the Aide / 15
Patient Care for the Radiology Aide / 90
Imaging Equipment, Processing, and PACS / 60
Clinical Practice for the Radiology Aide / 120
Total / 705

CAREER CLUSTER

HEALTH SCIENCE

Career Pathway

Therapeutic Services

Career Major
Dental Assistant
Course / Hours
Core Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid / 15
Foundations of Dental Assisting / 30
Dental Science / 75
Clinical Sciences for the Dental Assistant / 360
Internship in the Dental Office / 105
Total / 585

Secondary & Post Secondary Students

CAREER CLUSTER

HEALTH SCIENCE

Career Pathway

Therapeutic Services

Career Major:
Veterinary Assistant

Course

/ Hours
Health Careers Core Curriculum / 225
Core Medical Terminology / 45
Anatomy And Physiology / 120
Core Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid / 15
Veterinary Office Management Procedures / 15
Large and Small Animal Medicine / 15
Large and Small Animal Care / 15
Diagnostic Procedures for the Veterinary Assistant / 15
Surgical Procedures for the Veterinary Assistant / 30
Routine Duties in a Veterinary Clinic / 30
Principles of Pharmacology for the Veterinary Assistant / 15
Internship for Veterinary Assistant / 60
Total / 600

Secondary & Post Secondary Students

CAREER CLUSTER

HEALTH SCIENCE

Career Pathway

Diagnostic Services

Career Major
Phlebotomist

Course

/ Hours
Health Careers Core Curriculum / 225
Core Medical Terminology / 45
Anatomy And Physiology / 120
Core Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid / 15
Clerical Skills & Duties / 15
Safety, Legal Issues & Quality Control / 15
Phlebotomy Specimen Collection & Processing / 45
Phlebotomy Practicum / 120
Total / 600

Post-Secondary Students